Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route Overview
The Lemosho route has become increasingly popular in recent years, and rightfully so. This classic trail boasts breathtaking vistas, optimal acclimatization conditions, and some of the highest summit success rates among all Kilimanjaro routes. Beginning on the western slope of the mountain, the Lemosho route offers three distinct itineraries: 7 and 8 days, catering to various preferences and schedules.
A standout feature of the Lemosho route is the majestic Cathedral Peak, situated atop the Shira Volcano at an impressive elevation of 3872 meters. Here, climbers have the opportunity to embark on an acclimatization hike to Cathedral Peak, reveling in unparalleled views of Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes. Additionally, the route is renowned for its striking Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, which lend an otherworldly atmosphere unique to this mountain.
Notably, the Lemosho route gained further acclaim when Angela Vorobieva, aged 86, ascended to Kilimanjaro’s summit with Mirable Safaris, establishing a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to achieve this remarkable feat.
Lemosho Route Expert Advice
The Lemosho route holds a special place in the hearts of both the Pumba Safaris team and our clients for several compelling reasons. Foremost among these is the Lemosho 7-day itinerary, which commences from an elevation of 3414 meters. This strategic starting point allows for extended periods at altitude and entails shorter hiking distances over the initial two days. Such a setup facilitates superior acclimatization, consequently yielding the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
While the 7-day variation is advisable solely for seasoned trekkers or individuals with prior acclimatization experience, the 8-day itinerary is deemed suitable even for beginners. This extended timeframe ensures a more gradual ascent, promoting optimal adaptation to the altitude and enhancing overall trekking enjoyment and success.
Lemosho Route - Summit Success Rate
At Mirable Safaris, we’ve meticulously compiled comprehensive statistics on each route throughout the years. Here are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the Lemosho 7 and 8-day itineraries, derived from data spanning thousands of our climbers:
- Lemosho 7 – Crater Rim: 97.5%, Uhuru Peak: 96.0%
- Lemosho 8 – Crater Rim: 96.5%, Uhuru Peak: 93.8%
You might be curious as to why the longer 8-day itinerary exhibits a slightly lower success rate. The explanation is straightforward: Furthermore, the 8-day route begins at 2100m, requiring climbers to ascend to 3610m within 24 hours, which is a demanding task. Hence, the 7-day itinerary is often recommended for beginners, offering the best chance of summiting. Additionally, if one climber descends while their partner accompanies them, we record it as two unsuccessful attempts. Consequently, your prospects of summiting may be even more promising than the figures suggest.
Numerous factors contribute to Mirable Safaris’ ability to boast such remarkable summit success rates. Firstly, we prioritize providing the finest working conditions and salaries in the Kilimanjaro region, attracting top-tier guides, mountain crews, and operations specialists. Secondly, we place utmost importance on our clients’ well-being. Mirable Safaris maintains an extensive array of oxygen systems, surpassing all other operators combined, leveraging them to enhance acclimatization and address symptoms of altitude sickness. Our guides conduct thorough medical check-ups twice daily, ensuring your acclimatization progresses smoothly. Finally, our guides are extensively trained in mountain first-aid, and all our expeditions are equipped with comprehensive medical kits.
Prices for Lemosho route
Our classic adventures cater to the preferences of the majority of climbers, offering a blend of exceptional comfort and stringent safety standards that render our classic Kilimanjaro hikes both enjoyable and unforgettable. It’s no surprise that this option stands as the most favored among our clients.
Our comprehensive climbing package encompasses everything a climber could possibly need for the journey: a seasoned mountain crew, top-tier group equipment, and meticulously crafted meals designed by nutritionists. Across all our hiking adventures, our safety protocols remain consistent – only guides certified as Wilderness First Responders are entrusted with leading expeditions. Additionally, we uphold strict safety measures, including the provision of oxygen cylinders, fully stocked medical kits, and mandatory medical check-ups (twice daily).
To ensure peace of mind, the progress of each trekking party is monitored via GPS devices. You can easily share the tracking link with your loved ones, enabling them to follow your journey in real-time.
Before and after your adventure, you’ll enjoy accommodations in reputable hotels boasting attentive staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, and refreshing swimming pools.
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$ USD
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7 Days Trek (9 day tour)
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8 Days Trek (10 day tour)
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1 Pax
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$2,850
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$3,020
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2 Pax
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$2,319
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$2,461
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3 Pax
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$2,290
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$2,417
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4 Pax
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$2,220
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$2,367
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5 + Pax
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$2,187
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$2,317
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LemoshoRoute Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be warmly greeted by a representative from Pumba Safaris who will facilitate your transfer to the hotel included in your package. At the hotel, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including cozy rooms, hot water, attentive staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, there will be a comprehensive briefing conducted by our managers to ensure you're fully prepared to embark on your climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are provided for your group. Additional charges may apply for individual transfers. To minimize extra costs, we recommend coordinating the arrival and departure times of your group members.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,610 m /11,841 f). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.
After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 m /15,091 f). Portions of the trek may be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where you will enjoy your lunch.
Then, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
This day you will wake up early and enjoy a filling breakfast before starting to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300 m /984 f) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f) - your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
You will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.
PLEASE NOTE:Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
